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Flood heroes honored: Delmenhorst thanks them for their heroic efforts!
Delmenhorst's mayor honored helpers for their efforts during the 2023 floods during the camp on July 9, 2025.
Flood heroes honored: Delmenhorst thanks them for their heroic efforts!
As part of a festive ceremony, Delmenhorst's mayor Petra Gerlach and local dignitaries honored rescue workers on Tuesday evening. This special event took place at the youth fire brigade camp on the Graft, where the consequences of the flood situation at Christmas 2023 were duly acknowledged. Weser-Kurier reports that the volunteers from the German Red Cross, the Johanniter-Unfallhilfe and the volunteer fire departments from Delmenhorst-Mitte, Delmenhorst-Süd and Hasbergen were awarded.
Christmas 2023 was marked by weeks of rain, which led to critical flooding in many parts of Lower Saxony, including Delmenhorst. The area at Annengraben was particularly affected, where numerous sandbags had to be used to secure the residential area. The emergency services worked tirelessly through the night to fill sandbags and pump out basements. Mayor Gerlach also expressly thanked the supporting companies, including Paul-Walter, Ellermann and Frommberger, who actively helped during this difficult time.
Honoring the emergency services
Delmenhorst received timely support from the Delmetal Dam, which prevented more serious damage, in contrast to the devastating flood events of 1998. The firefighters working here also helped with sandbags in surrounding communities. Another highlight of the honor was a celebration in May 2024, at which the volunteers received recognition for their commitment. The awards also included medals and certificates signed by former Prime Minister Stephan Weil, as Delmenews highlights.
The state government of Lower Saxony has also recognized the services of the emergency services during the flood situation and plans to create a flood badge of honor to thank the around 55,000 emergency services affected. Minister of the Interior and Sport, Daniela Behrens, emphasized in a statement the value of the effort, especially during the rainy autumn and the storm Zoltan, which led to serious flooding [Freiwilligenserver](https://www.freiwilligenserver.de/aktuell/aktuelles?tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=deta il&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=2949&cHash=18fbd7e2605190738294b164416d646a) reported.
Youth and community spirit
Tuesday evening was not only a worthy thank you for the helpers, but also part of a celebration for young firefighters. During the city rally, many young people wore fire brigade uniforms and explored various historical points in the city on a three-kilometer route. Using an app, the groups were able to complete their tasks by 5 p.m. without any time pressure. The connection between the joy of volunteering and active community building was clearly noticeable.
This honor and the awards provided are a token of recognition for tireless efforts in crisis situations and a call to continue to be ready when the community needs help. Delmenhorst can be proud of its citizens, who have shown a good hand for the safety of the city in challenging times.